Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve NV, Hampshire

Made by winemaker Emma Rice in a style that is distinctly Hattingley and unapologetically British. This sparkling wine is pale gold in colour with delicate and fine long-lasting bubbles. The beautifully complex bouquet combines aromas of green apples with creamy nougat, freshly baked brioche and delicate toasted notes from ageing in bottle. On the palate the complexity continues with notes of soft lemon sherbet, biscuit and a subtle oak character. Refreshing and perfectly balanced, with a delightful long finish.

This is made from the classic trio of Chardonnay (53%), Pinot Noir(31%) and Pinot Meunier (16%). The wine has a large proportion of wine from the 2015 harvest. The growing season was a test of good site selection and the vineyard team did a wonderful job in challenging conditions - the summer was cooler than the previous year, particularly in August which is the start of the ripening season. The pinots were super-ripe with wonderful flavours, good acidity levels and a deep colour, and good vineyard sites produced some very fine Chardonnay as well.